Citizen Ashe Film Screening & Panel

In recognition of the beginning of US Black History Month, we invite you to an evening of film, reflection, and conversation exploring the life, legacy, and global impact of Arthur Ashe: athlete, civil rights activist, humanitarian, and UCLA alumnus.

This special screening of Citizen Ashe, followed by an in-depth panel discussion, brings together members of the wider London community to reflect on themes of race, social justice, leadership, and civic responsibility, as seen through the remarkable life of one of the most influential figures in modern sport and civil rights history. At a moment when questions of equity, representation, and global citizenship remain deeply urgent, Ashe’s life offers a powerful lens through which to examine both progress made and challenges that persist.

Citizen Ashe chronicles Ashe’s rise to prominence as the first and only Black man to win the Wimbledon, US Open, and Australian Open singles titles, while also highlighting his lifelong commitment to equality, education, and human rights both on and off the court.

Alongside marking Black History Month, the event showcases UCLA’s Global Youth Leadership Academy, a programme inspired by Ashe’s values that empowers young people aged 16–25 across the United States and internationally to become engaged global citizens. By supporting youth networks committed to social change, equity, and education, the Academy reflects Ashe’s belief that true leadership goes beyond personal achievement to responsibility for others.

🎤 Panelists

Sir Keith Ajegbo

Sir Keith Ajegbo had a long and distinguished career in education. He was Head of Deptford Green School in South East London for 20 years, and in 2007 was knighted for services to education. In 2007, he wrote a report for the Secretary of State for Education on Diversity and Citizenship in the light of the 7/7 bombings. Sir Keith started playing tennis at Eltham College. As part of the school team he won the Thomas Bowl in 1960 and played in the Youll Cup final in 1962, both at the All England Club. He was Kent Junior Champion from 1962 to 1964 and reached the final of the doubles at the national indoor tournament in 1963. He earned tennis blues at Cambridge University from 1966 to 1969 and was captain of the team that beat Oxford in 1969. He was part of the Oxford and Cambridge team that won the Prentice Cup against Harvard and Yale in 1969. For many years, he was a member of the Kent County team. Sir Keith has been a Full Member of the All England Club since 2002, and in 201,5 he was appointed a trustee of the Wimbledon Foundation. He has also been very involved in the Set for Success programme.

Patricia Whitehorne

Patricia Whitehorne is an editorial leader and digital journalist who is passionate about creative storytelling and amplifying voices that are not often heard. She currently works with BBC Africa at the BBC World Service, as part of a team developing the department’s digital strategy and boosting audience engagement and interactivity. She was an output editor at the radio program and news podcast, Focus on Africa, which delved into the deeper stories behind the news headlines, and also featured conversations with the newsmakers from the continent, from political leaders, acclaimed artists to inspirational young people. She was a producer on the award-winning narrative podcast, The Comb, which covered amazing stories from Africa, told by the people who lived them. From the early days of BBC News' social media evolution to consulting for the African Development Bank, her career has been defined by making news more interactive, verified, and accessible. But when not in a newsroom, her biggest passion is Sport - nearly all sports but particularly athletics, cricket, and especially tennis. A lot of her foreign travel has been related to sporting events!

Anne-Marie Batson

Anne-Marie Batson is a versatile sports broadcaster and host. She’s a WTA commentator and reporter for the Premier League and WSL Football, and has hosted the Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup. Beyond broadcasting, she co‑founded the global platform Tennis Black List with Richard Sackey‑Addo, celebrating Black and mixed‑heritage excellence in tennis.

Veronica Mwondela

Veronica Mwondela has spent 30 years advancing fair, inclusive tennis officiating. A veteran of 25 Wimbledons and global events, she serves as ABTO Vice Chair, drives innovation, trains officials, champions diversity through the LTA IDEA group, and, as a newly elected LTA Councillor, will continue to advocate for inclusion to remain at the core of British tennis.

Moderator

Yolanda Hester

Yolanda Hester is an oral historian and a public historian. She is the project director of the Arthur Ashe Oral History Project at Arthur Ashe Legacy at UCLA, where she oversees an extensive oral history project of the tennis champion, which to date has collected over 100 interviews. The interviews have been featured in projects for Wimbledon, the BBC, Black Spin Global, and the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

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🎟️ Ticket Price: £30. Tickets grant access to the screening, discussion, and refreshments. All proceeds will benefit the Global Youth Leadership Academy at UCLA.

The event is presented in collaboration with the UCLA Alumni UK Network, the UC Irvine Alumni Association in the UK & Europe, and the Arthur Ashe Legacy Project at UCLA, housed at the world-renowned Ralph Bunche African American Studies Center.

We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring evening centred on Black history, civic leadership, and the enduring global legacy of Arthur Ashe.

Notes

Please note that refunds will not be processed for this event. If you are unable to attend, please let us know at your earliest convenience so we can re-allocate your space.

Photography: Please note photography may take place at this event. Entry constitutes consent to such, and to any use, in any and all media. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us via the email below or speak to a member of staff on arrival to the event.

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Questions? Contact us at alumni@californiahouse.org.uk.